Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Tualatin, OR: $53,044 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Tualatin, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,044 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tualatin's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,700 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,480) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates seeking to enter the athletic training field in Tualatin, Oregon, can expect entry-level salaries starting around $53,044. This initial pay aligns below the city's median annual salary of $64,480, which suggests a gap that new professionals should consider when negotiating their first positions. As they gain experience, there is potential for significant salary growth. Early career athletic trainers moving from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile can anticipate salaries rising from $53,044 to approximately $58,634 within just a few years. With a hopeful annual growth rate of 4.63%, the Tualatin market appears to offer a reasonable pathway for new graduates ready to commence their careers.
About the Tualatin Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tualatin
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tualatin
Entry-level athletic trainers in Tualatin, OR typically start between $53,044 and $58,634 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,349 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,480 — 1.43% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 122.54% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($53,044/year) in Tualatin. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Tualatin
- 1Research the Tualatin market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $53,044 to $58,634, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Tualatin, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Tualatin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tualatin's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Tualatin is $38,349 ( 72.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,044, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,393.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,935
2025 BLS Actual
$50,697
2026 Current Est.
$53,044
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Tualatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,935 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,703 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,891 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,742 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,436 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,044 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,500 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Tualatin, OR grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,935 in 2019 to $50,697 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,500. New graduates entering the Tualatin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tualatin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Tualatin
Industries in Tualatin that actively employ entry-level athletic trainers include high school athletic departments that often outsource to hospital sports medicine programs and industrial settings where wellness services are increasingly prioritized. To increase starting salaries, holding a Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program is essential, especially since the old bachelor's pathway is no longer an option due to the 2022 transition. Additionally, obtaining the Board of Certification (BOC) credential enhances a candidate's marketability. New graduates can also pursue further certifications, such as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) or Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS-AT), to distinguish themselves in competitive job markets. Realistically, entry-level pay for new grad athletic trainers can vary widely, but those who explore positions outside traditional school settings might find that opportunities in industrial settings pay 30-50% more than typical school roles, influencing overall salary potential in their first few years in Tualatin, OR.
More salary data for Tualatin, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for athletic trainers in Tualatin in 2026?
How fast do athletic trainer salaries grow in Tualatin?
Is athletic training school worth it in Tualatin?
What do new athletic trainers make right out of school in Tualatin?
How do I become a athletic trainer in Oregon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Tualatin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tualatin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov